The Sealyham terriers that specialise in vermin control

Meet a working rat pack of Sealyham terriers, a Welsh breed, which is teetering on the edge of extinction.

Recorded at the Game Fair 2023 at Ragley Hall, interviewee Harry Parsons is known by many for his work in keeping the Sealyham terrier breed viable.  He has a pack of 30 at home, and has dedicated the last several decades to this engaging, intelligent terrier. With fewer than 140 puppies born last year, the Sealyham terrier is well under the 300 puppies a year threshold for being designated a "vulnerable breed". 

Harry talks to presenter Kate Fairweather about what he looks for in a terrier as well as the logistics of organising a rat hunt, which remains fully legal under the UK's Hunting Act. He explains that using terriers remains the only alternative to poison for keeping down vermin, particularly in agricultural settings.

Clearly devoted to his Sealyhams, he explains how he keeps them from overheating or getting overexcited while working, and how he sees the breed's future. 

Find out more about Harry's work with Sealyham terriers.

Connected Episodes:

• Who's winning at the South of England Hound Show? (August 2023)
• Meet the South Down Bloodhounds (November 2022)
• Meet the Beagles! (October 2022)
• Debit and Dervish, the hunting hound pups (November 2021)
• An insight into the breeding of hounds (November 2021)

Dogs with Jobs features the full range of working dogs, therapy dogs, military and service dogs, assistance dogs, bio detection dogs and other, random occupations such as truffle hunting, modelling and more. Browse more dogs with interesting jobs.

Do you work your dog or dog? 

Get in touch with Kate Fairweather if you're interested in coming on the show on [e-mail].  Kate will be at the Countryside Alliance country sports show and the Alresford Agricultural Show, both in September in Hampshire.

© & ℗ Kate Fairweather 2023

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